Bad breath (halitosis)

Bad breath is common and is often related to dental/oral causes or dry mouth, and sometimes tonsil or reflux problems.

Common causes

Dental/gum problems, dry mouth, some foods or smoking, and sometimes tonsillitis or reflux.

Risk factors

Severe tooth pain, facial swelling, difficulty swallowing/breathing, or fever with swelling needs prompt assessment.

Red flags — seek urgent care

Rapid facial swelling or breathing/swallowing difficulty needs urgent care.

Suggested next step

Maintain tooth/tongue cleaning and flossing; see a dentist if it persists for weeks or comes with gum pain/bleeding.

Symptoms linked to this condition

✓ At least one verified Saudi source and one independent global source are linked.

This page is general educational information, not a medical consultation. If symptoms are severe or worrying, contact a healthcare professional.